The Carabao Cup semi-final second leg between Arsenal and Chelsea was decided in dramatic circumstances at the Emirates Stadium in London.
The match kicked off at 12:00 AM local time on February 4, 2026, with Arsenal holding a narrow aggregate advantage from the first leg.
Chelsea arrived knowing they needed at least one goal to force extra time and approached the contest with a disciplined and cautious setup.
Arsenal ultimately won the match 1–0 on the night, progressing 4–2 on aggregate to reach the Carabao Cup final.
A stoppage-time goal from Kai Havertz sealed the result and sent the home crowd into celebration.
• Second leg played at the Emirates Stadium.
• Kick-off at 12:00 AM on February 4, 2026.
• Arsenal advanced 4–2 on aggregate.
First-Half Timeline and Match Flow
The opening half was characterised by a measured tempo and limited clear-cut chances.
Chelsea deployed a five-man defensive line designed to restrict Arsenal’s attacking movement and control space between the lines.
Arsenal enjoyed the majority of possession but found it difficult to penetrate Chelsea’s compact structure.
The first meaningful opportunity arrived in the 18th minute when Piero Hincapié struck from range, forcing Robert Sánchez into a low save.
Chelsea threatened sporadically on the counter, with Enzo Fernández testing Kepa Arrizabalaga late in the half.
The teams went into the break level on the night, leaving the tie finely balanced despite Arsenal’s aggregate lead.
| Minute | Event | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 7’ | Delap effort wide | Chelsea |
| 18’ | Hincapié shot saved | Arsenal |
| 26’ | Chalobah attempt wide | Chelsea |
| 43’ | Fernández shot saved | Chelsea |
| 45+1’ | Half-time | — |
• First half ended 0–0.
• Arsenal controlled possession.
• Chelsea remained within striking distance.
Second-Half Developments and Substitutions
Chelsea emerged from the interval with increased urgency, pushing higher up the pitch in search of an equaliser on aggregate.
Early chances fell to Liam Delap and João Pedro, but neither effort troubled the Arsenal goal.
On the hour mark, Chelsea introduced Cole Palmer and Estêvão in an attempt to add creativity and attacking thrust.
Arsenal responded soon after by bringing on Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard, shifting momentum back toward the hosts.
The game became increasingly tense as both sides traded fouls and speculative efforts from distance.
Declan Rice was seen urging calm among his teammates as pressure mounted in the final stages.
| Minute | Event | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 60’ | Palmer and Estêvão introduced | Chelsea |
| 69’ | Havertz and Trossard on | Arsenal |
| 71’ | Estêvão booked | Chelsea |
| 82’ | Fofana chance missed | Chelsea |
| 90’ | Added time announced | — |
• Chelsea increased attacking intent.
• Arsenal focused on game management.
• Match remained goalless deep into stoppage time.
Stoppage-Time Decider and Final Outcome
As Chelsea committed numbers forward in search of a decisive goal, space opened up at the back.
In the seventh minute of added time, Declan Rice released Kai Havertz on the break.
Havertz rounded the goalkeeper and calmly finished from close range to score against his former club.
The goal confirmed a 1–0 win on the night and a 4–2 aggregate triumph for Arsenal.
Chelsea pushed briefly for a late response but were unable to force extra time.
Arsenal booked their place in the Carabao Cup final, marking their first major final appearance in six years.
| Minute | Event | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 90+7’ | Havertz goal | Arsenal |
| 90+9’ | Full-time | — |
• Late goal settled the tie.
• Arsenal reached the Carabao Cup final.
• Chelsea eliminated despite late pressure.